Results

If you're having an hs-CRP test to evaluate your risk of heart disease, these are the current risk levels used:

Low risk. You have a CRP level of less than 1.0 milligram per liter (mg/L).

Average risk. You have a CRP level between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L.

High risk. You have a CRP level greater than 3.0 mg/L.

These risk levels aren't a definitive measure of your risk because the ideal indicator of high CRP isn't clearly defined. Also, because a person's CRP levels vary over time, it's recommended that the average of two tests, ideally taken two weeks apart, be used to determine coronary artery disease risk.

If you're having an hs-CRP test to check for heart disease, your doctor is likely to request a cholesterol test at the same time. Other tests might be done to further evaluate your coronary artery disease risk. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes or medications to decrease your risk of a heart attack.

A test result showing a CRP level greater than 10 mg/L is a sign of serious infection, trauma or chronic disease, which likely will require further testing to determine the cause.

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